Celtics want young talent for Allen
The Boston Celtics discussed a possible trade for Caron Butler(notes) before the Washington Wizards decided to send him to Dallas. The Celtics also have inquired about the availability of Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis(notes), Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Martin(notes) and Philadelphia 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala(notes). None of the talks have become substantive.
The Celtics would likely include Ray Allen(notes) in any big deal, but have made it clear they want an upper-echelon young player in return, regardless of position.
The Celtics also reached out to the Phoenix Suns about Amar’e Stoudemire(notes), but don’t have the means to get a deal done.
The Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets and Miami Heat were interested in acquiring center Brendan Haywood(notes) from the Wizards, but couldn’t put together an adequate offer before the Mavericks landed him.
The Blazers offered Steve Blake(notes), rookie Jeff Pendergraph(notes) and a first-round pick for Haywood. When Washington countered by asking for swingman Rudy Fernandez(notes), the Blazers declined. Blazers owner Paul Allen is a big fan of Fernandez.
Haywood turned down a four-year, $35 million contract extension from Washington last summer, but a source said the Mavericks hope to re-sign him after the season.
The Lakers have tried to move Luke Walton(notes) and Sasha Vujacic(notes) to shed some salary before Thursday’s trade deadline. One league source the Lakers have even had discussions with one of their Pacific Division rivals: the Blazers. The Blazers, the source said, seem more focused on landing a big man.
